Lockheed Martin has recently entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC). The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) connectivity, and jointly develop and demonstrate space-enabled defense systems.
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The CRADA will involve a range of activities, including design, development, integration, and risk reduction tests. These activities will be conducted at AvMC's System Integration Lab (SIL) located in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The SIL will serve as a hub for identifying and developing operational concepts that connect ground-based platforms to the space domain.
John Schierling, the director for Tactical Space Programs at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the company's extensive experience in supporting tactical warfighters and the significance of equipping them with next-generation capabilities. The collaboration with AvMC aims to create more effective, survivable, and cost-efficient security technology for government customers and international allies. By establishing connections between platforms and space assets, the joint effort seeks to enhance deterrence against future threats.
The partnership will focus on improving satellite communications (SATCOM) for defense systems. The team will explore various capabilities to facilitate connectivity, identify any gaps in capabilities, conduct hardware-in-the-loop tests, examine platform connectivity at different speeds, and explore additional uses of communication systems.
The collaboration will leverage AvMC's SIL, which offers advanced modeling, simulation, integration, test, and analysis tools. These resources will accelerate the delivery of experimental prototypes and foster alignment among technical performers from government agencies and industry partners.
As the work commences, Lockheed Martin and AvMC are poised to embark on a joint effort to advance space-enabled defense systems and bolster the capabilities of military forces operating beyond the line of sight.
Defense News June 2023
